Psychological problems and retention among college students: Implications for mental health services

Background: Cross-sectional studies reveal a high prevalence of mental health problems among college students, but there are less data examining the association between these variables with mental health services use, and student retention. Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the connections between mental health, use of mental health services, and decision making to discontinue studies. Significance: The study will help college administrators identify more effectively the mental health needs for services and re-think university polices in this growing health issue. Methods: We randomly selected a sample of 1,750 undergraduate students enrolled full-time in the second largest campus of the University of Puerto Rico. We conducted a web-based survey questionnaire that included screening instruments to measure mental health symptoms, use of mental health services, and discontinuing studies (Beck Anxiety Inventory- BAI, The Center for Epidemiologic Studies for Depression-CESD, and Symptoms Check List-SCL-36. Results: Results show the presence of psychological problems including depression, anxiety and general psychiatric symptoms among the sample. However, only 9% of the sample has sought mental health services. Finally, ONEWAY ANOVA analysis was conducted to examine connections between mental health and the idea of discontinuing studies. Significant higher scores in psychological problems measures were obtained among the students who frequently thought about leaving college or discontinuing their studies (BAI: F= 10.86; CES-D: F=16.88; and LCS-36: F=12.07). Conclusion: Findings suggests the need to strengthen out-reach programs and re-examine university mental health services policies in order to increase retention.